Chholiya (Kumaoni: ) or Hudkeli (or Hudke; ) is a traditional folk dance form originated in the Kumaon division of the Indian state of Uttarakhand and Sudurpashchim province of Nepal. It has today become a symbol of Kumaoni and Sudurpashchimi (mainly in Doti, Baitadi and Darchula districts) cultures. It is basically a sword dance accompanying a marriage procession but now it is performed on many auspicious occasions. It is especially popular in the districts of Almora, Bageshwar, Champawat and Pithoragarh of Kumaon division and in Doti, Baitadi and Darchula district of Nepal. This sword dance has a history of more than a thousand years and is rooted in the martial traditions of the Kumaoni people and Khas people. Origin Dating back to over a thousand years, the dance has its origins in the warring Kshatriyas of Kumaon- the Khasas and Katyuris when marriages were performed at the point of the swords. The native Kshatriyas were united by the Chand Kings who arrived' on the scene in the 10th century. Flux of immigrants Rajputs who made native kshatriyas a small minority also took on the hill customs and influenced pahari culture with their traditions and language. The days of marriages on the point of sword were over, but the traditions attached to it still continued. That is why the groom is still known as Kunwar or King in Kumaon. He rides a horse in the marriage procession and wears a Khukri in his belt. Significance Apart from its origins in the martial traditions of the people of Kumaon, it also has religious significance. This art form is mainly performed by the Rajput community in their marriage processions. Chholiya is performed in marriages and is believed to be auspicious as it provides protection from evil spirits and demons. Marriage processions were believed to be vulnerable to such spirits who target peoples happiness. It was a common belief that demons followed a marriage procession or Baryat/Barat to bewitch the newly married and performance of Chholiya could prevent this. Instruments The turi (तुरी), nagphani (नागफनी) and ransing (रणसिंघ) belonging to the brass instrument family are traditional instruments of the Kumaon division, were earlier used in battles to increase the morale of the troops, are used. Percussion instruments like dhol (ढोल), damau (दमाऊ) which are also native to Kumaun are played by professional musicians known as dholies. Masakbeen (मसकबीन) or Bagpipe introduced by the British